The effects of spinal stabilization exercises in patients with myasthenia gravis: a randomized crossover study

Abstract

Purpose

The effects of spinal stabilization exercises (SSE) on fatigue, muscle strength, respiratory functions, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients were investigated.

Materials and methods

This study which was designed a single-blinded, randomized crossover trial were included mild to moderate 10 MG patients, aged between 18 and 65. SSE and home program were applied to the patients for six weeks, four weeks between each exercise program. Fatigue assessed with Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAFS). Muscle strengths were assessed with dynamometric measures. Respiratory Function Test, 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGS), Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale-15 (MGQOL-15) were used.

Results

All parameters were improved in SSE group, but not neck muscles strength, QMGS, and respiratory functions in home program group. FSS, VAFS, muscle strength, 6MWT, MGQOL-15 values were found significantly different in SSE group (p = .005 in all parameters).

Conclusions

SSE are safe and effective on fatigue, muscle strength, respiratory functions, functional capacity, and QoL for MG patients, so it may be suggested to include SSE in rehabilitation programs of MG patients.

Implications For Rehabilitation

• Spinal stabilization exercises are safe and effective for Myasthenia Gravis patients.

• Home exercise program which included breathing exercises and callisthenic exercises tailored to the patients’ needs is safe and effective for Myasthenia Gravis patients.

• Rehabilitation programs of Myasthenia Gravis patients should include spinal stabilization exercises.

Keywords:

• Myasthenia gravis
• spinal stabilization exercise
• home exercise program
• callisthenic exercise
• physiotherapy

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.